In the ‘Two Areas’, Sudan’s South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, the conflict between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army–North has entered its fifth year. Conditions for the people living in both government and rebel-held areas have deteriorated, exacerbated by alarming food insecurity due to severe drought in parts of the states and a lack of humanitarian assistance. The warring parties have publicly shown a willingness to sign a cessation of hostilities agreement to enable humanitarian access. However, complex divisions and differences in negotiating positions have stymied substantive progress from African Union led peace talks in 2015 and German sponsored talks in January 2016.

Benjamin Kuku and his colleagues will provide an update on the situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, and discuss the work undertaken by faith-based organisations in support of a peaceful settlement.